Charlie Gantt of Michigan State ~ 6.5/260
"Possesses a big, good-looking frame and natural flexibility in his lower half. Is able to sit into his stance, coils up well and takes a low, positive first step off the line. Isn’t overly explosive, but cleanly is able to initially get into his routes. Lacks ideal suddenness or shiftiness when asked to side-step defenders down the field, but has the savvy to slip the bump off the line and cleanly get off the ball. Possesses a good feel of finding soft spots down the field in zone coverage. Knows how to work his way open, find a throwing lane and go up to make a play on the football.
Exhibits good body control and length when asked to pluck a ball away from his frame, displaying good concentration through the play and can hang onto the throw through contact. Now, isn’t a real explosive athlete, more of a strider down the field who picks up speed as he goes and needs a couple steps in order to get going. But possesses average straight-line speed for a guy his size. He can, however, be a tough cover because of his frame and ability to adjust to the football. However, struggles to generate an initial burst out of his breaks and lacks ideal short-area body control and quickness when trying to separate.
Is a natural blocker in both the run and pass game. Exhibits good balance in his footwork and punch off the edge in pass pro and has the base and fluidity to slide and anchor vs. linebackers in blitz pick-up. Also, is very coordinated as a run blocker, keeps his base down into contact, can generate a good initial surge and has the balance to finish runs. Looks natural redirecting in tight areas, as well, helping to chip on a lineman inside before bouncing back outside to seal a defender.
Impression: Isn’t a real dynamic athlete or route runner and will have a tougher time separating vs. man at the next level. However, he has a big frame, is a coordinated pass catcher and can win for you as a blocker. Looks like a very solid No. 2-type NFL tight end who will play in the league for awhile."
Exhibits good body control and length when asked to pluck a ball away from his frame, displaying good concentration through the play and can hang onto the throw through contact. Now, isn’t a real explosive athlete, more of a strider down the field who picks up speed as he goes and needs a couple steps in order to get going. But possesses average straight-line speed for a guy his size. He can, however, be a tough cover because of his frame and ability to adjust to the football. However, struggles to generate an initial burst out of his breaks and lacks ideal short-area body control and quickness when trying to separate.
Is a natural blocker in both the run and pass game. Exhibits good balance in his footwork and punch off the edge in pass pro and has the base and fluidity to slide and anchor vs. linebackers in blitz pick-up. Also, is very coordinated as a run blocker, keeps his base down into contact, can generate a good initial surge and has the balance to finish runs. Looks natural redirecting in tight areas, as well, helping to chip on a lineman inside before bouncing back outside to seal a defender.
Impression: Isn’t a real dynamic athlete or route runner and will have a tougher time separating vs. man at the next level. However, he has a big frame, is a coordinated pass catcher and can win for you as a blocker. Looks like a very solid No. 2-type NFL tight end who will play in the league for awhile."
"Gantt was a model of consistency for the program, starting an impressive 39 consecutive games, and while not posting gaudy numbers his final year at MSU, he did make one of the most memorable plays in team history. In Week 3 against Notre Dame, Michigan State executed what head coach Mark D'Antonio referred to as the "Little Giants" play, faking the game-tying field goal in overtime and calling on holder/punter Aaron Bates to throw to a wide open Gantt to win the game, 34-31.
Gantt appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2007 but did not rack up any stats. He entered the starting lineup going into his sophomore year, finishing the season with 19 catches for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Gantt caught 22 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns in 2009, then continued his consistent play as a senior, posting 24 receptions for 301 yards and three touchdowns and being selected second-team All-Big Ten by league media.
Scouts may view Gantt as a solid college tight end without the natural athleticism to be a starter in the NFL. Though he lacks the speed and agility seen in top 100 prospects, he has the catching, blocking and determination to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft as a serviceable backup tight end and special teams contributor.
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Strengths: Catches the ball with soft hands and looks it in well. Traps the ball outside his body. Uses head fakes to get separation at the line. Effective running down the seam. Gets his head around quickly looking for the ball. Strong enough to snatch the ball in traffic. Gets upfield quickly after the catch and shows good vision running with the ball. Keeps a low base when blocking, able to wash defenders down the line. Moves his feet while engaged, keeping the defender in front of him. Gives effort to get downfield and block at the second level. Lines up in the slot and outside, in addition to the traditional in-line position.
Weaknesses: Very slow release off the line of scrimmage. Owns average straight-line speed. Gets caught up in traffic and is uncomfortable working his way through defenders. Slow to accelerate after contact. Not a fluid runner, tends to stumble in the open field. Runs sloppy routes and does not execute much of a pressure step into his breaks. Does not break down well on comeback routes, failing to create separation. Does not show much effort or flexibility to adjust to errant passes. Does not display much aggression or balance as a blocker. Defensive ends can spin off his blocks or bull rush him. Often leads with his shoulder rather than his hands."
Gantt appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2007 but did not rack up any stats. He entered the starting lineup going into his sophomore year, finishing the season with 19 catches for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Gantt caught 22 passes for 348 yards and two touchdowns in 2009, then continued his consistent play as a senior, posting 24 receptions for 301 yards and three touchdowns and being selected second-team All-Big Ten by league media.
Scouts may view Gantt as a solid college tight end without the natural athleticism to be a starter in the NFL. Though he lacks the speed and agility seen in top 100 prospects, he has the catching, blocking and determination to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft as a serviceable backup tight end and special teams contributor.
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Strengths: Catches the ball with soft hands and looks it in well. Traps the ball outside his body. Uses head fakes to get separation at the line. Effective running down the seam. Gets his head around quickly looking for the ball. Strong enough to snatch the ball in traffic. Gets upfield quickly after the catch and shows good vision running with the ball. Keeps a low base when blocking, able to wash defenders down the line. Moves his feet while engaged, keeping the defender in front of him. Gives effort to get downfield and block at the second level. Lines up in the slot and outside, in addition to the traditional in-line position.
Weaknesses: Very slow release off the line of scrimmage. Owns average straight-line speed. Gets caught up in traffic and is uncomfortable working his way through defenders. Slow to accelerate after contact. Not a fluid runner, tends to stumble in the open field. Runs sloppy routes and does not execute much of a pressure step into his breaks. Does not break down well on comeback routes, failing to create separation. Does not show much effort or flexibility to adjust to errant passes. Does not display much aggression or balance as a blocker. Defensive ends can spin off his blocks or bull rush him. Often leads with his shoulder rather than his hands."
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior. Totals last year included 24/301/3 after putting up 22/348/2 as a junior.
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with a complete game. Plays with good knee bend, blocks with leverage, and is strong at the point of attack. Gives effort blocking, handles defensive ends as a run blocker, and gets movement. Fluid releasing off the line into pass routes, extends his hands, and makes catches away from his frame. Effectively comes free to make himself an available target and knows where the sticks are on third down.
Negative: Displays minimal quickness and speed in his game. Not a downfield threat.
Analysis: Gantt has grown into a complete tight end who is a tremendous blocker yet also effective catching the ball when it is thrown to him. He's more of a short-range pass catcher that would be a good addition to any roster as a second tight end."
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with a complete game. Plays with good knee bend, blocks with leverage, and is strong at the point of attack. Gives effort blocking, handles defensive ends as a run blocker, and gets movement. Fluid releasing off the line into pass routes, extends his hands, and makes catches away from his frame. Effectively comes free to make himself an available target and knows where the sticks are on third down.
Negative: Displays minimal quickness and speed in his game. Not a downfield threat.
Analysis: Gantt has grown into a complete tight end who is a tremendous blocker yet also effective catching the ball when it is thrown to him. He's more of a short-range pass catcher that would be a good addition to any roster as a second tight end."
"Positives: Average size... Gets off the LOS fairly quickly... Red zone target... Steady receiver... High points the pass... Smart and savvy... Good awareness... Finds holes in zone coverage... Adjusts to the ball well... Soft hands... Good concentration... Not afraid to go over the middle of the field... Very solid blocker... Strong... Uses his body well... Plays with good balance, seldom on the ground... Good lateral movement and slide... Good blocking range... Good base strength and anchor... Can control defender once he locks on... Redirects quickly... Reacts quickly to stunts and blitzes... Can get to the second level, can seal linebackers from the action... Has some special teams experience... Reliable, gives a good effort... Does the dirty work... Could also be considered as an H-Back... Selected All-Big Ten second team for the 2010 season.
Negatives: Below average athleticism... Not real fast... Not real explosive or sudden... Lacks short area quickness... Struggles to create separation... Doesn't hit top speed quickly... Can be slow out of his breaks... Rounds off his routes... Inconsistent concentration... Makes some catches with his body... Lacks YAC ability and elusiveness in open field."
Negatives: Below average athleticism... Not real fast... Not real explosive or sudden... Lacks short area quickness... Struggles to create separation... Doesn't hit top speed quickly... Can be slow out of his breaks... Rounds off his routes... Inconsistent concentration... Makes some catches with his body... Lacks YAC ability and elusiveness in open field."
"Strengths: Very like Heath Miller, a pretty complete TE, a good blocker with soft and dependable hands, while no track star he can get deep on teams that don't pay sufficient attention. Physically strong, well-balanced, and crafty about finding openings.
Weaknesses: Still a little soft in terms of physique, could perhaps get quicker and/or stronger with some targeted conditioning work."
Weaknesses: Still a little soft in terms of physique, could perhaps get quicker and/or stronger with some targeted conditioning work."
"Michigan State University tight end Charlie Gantt has a good balance of size, strength, speed, pass catching talent and blocking ability. In a tight end class that lacks a true blue-chip talent, Gantt has enough going for him across the board that coaching staffs will appreciate. First, he's tall and has a nice wide frame. He isn't athletically gifted, but he's a quality route-runner who understands coverages. His ability to find open spaces in zone coverage is not a problem. Where Gantt excels is in his blocking. Coaches can't coach the tenacity and passion he brings to it.
For teams who need a solid No. 2 TE in goal line situations, he's a perfect fit. Put him on the backside, have him seal that weak side edge on running plays or he can occasionally slide out and pick up an easy touchdown on a delay or drag route. With his size, he's a natural for this role.
Gantt has played on special teams throughout his career at Michigan State, so he should be able to stick on any team that is lacking tight end depth.
Gantt projects as a late-fifth round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft."
For teams who need a solid No. 2 TE in goal line situations, he's a perfect fit. Put him on the backside, have him seal that weak side edge on running plays or he can occasionally slide out and pick up an easy touchdown on a delay or drag route. With his size, he's a natural for this role.
Gantt has played on special teams throughout his career at Michigan State, so he should be able to stick on any team that is lacking tight end depth.
Gantt projects as a late-fifth round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Charlie Gantt
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
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Charlie Gantt is an outstanding Blocker: Great Croucher, Power to Drive the Run, Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush, and Lateral Agility to Mirror.
He's a bit of a slug as a Receiver, but has enough savvy and cerebrality to work his way free when he needs to.
Charlie Gantt flies quietly Under the Radar, but I believe it is precisely the efforts of Scrappers like Charlie Gantt ~ who bang out solid Blocks 80% of the time, but have enough receiving capacity to keep Defenses honest ~ who Move The Chains.
His numbers will never be noteworthy...But he will be a Difference Maker.
Sleeper.
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As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
***
Charlie Gantt is an outstanding Blocker: Great Croucher, Power to Drive the Run, Strength to Anchor against the Pass Rush, and Lateral Agility to Mirror.
He's a bit of a slug as a Receiver, but has enough savvy and cerebrality to work his way free when he needs to.
Charlie Gantt flies quietly Under the Radar, but I believe it is precisely the efforts of Scrappers like Charlie Gantt ~ who bang out solid Blocks 80% of the time, but have enough receiving capacity to keep Defenses honest ~ who Move The Chains.
His numbers will never be noteworthy...But he will be a Difference Maker.
Sleeper.
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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